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Inspection on 12/01/06 for The Brambles

Also see our care home review for The Brambles for more information

This inspection was carried out on 12th January 2006.

CSCI has not published a star rating for this report, though using similar criteria we estimate that the report is Good. The way we rate inspection reports is consistent for all houses, though please be aware that this may be different from an official CSCI judgement.

The inspector found there to be outstanding requirements from the previous inspection report. These are things the inspector asked to be changed, but found they had not done. The inspector also made 2 statutory requirements (actions the home must comply with) as a result of this inspection.

What follows are excerpts from this inspection report. For more information read the full report on the next tab.

What the care home does well

The service is small and very domestic, offering an excellent service for the three service users living there, meeting their health and social needs in a very person centred way. The home has an excellent family atmosphere The home is also particularly good at maintaining contact with families, and the manager supports one service user in visiting his mother weekly. Activities are varied, and specifically aimed at the needs of the service users

What has improved since the last inspection?

There have been few changes since the last inspection, although the shift patterns of care staff have been altered giving staff even more opportunities to go out with service users. Since the last inspection NVQ training has started for some of the staff.

CARE HOME ADULTS 18-65 The Brambles 104 Station Road Soham Cambridgeshire CB7 5DZ Lead Inspector Alan Buttery Unannounced Inspection 12th January 2006 2.00pm The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 1 The Commission for Social Care Inspection aims to: • • • • Put the people who use social care first Improve services and stamp out bad practice Be an expert voice on social care Practise what we preach in our own organisation Reader Information Document Purpose Author Audience Further copies from Copyright Inspection Report CSCI General Public 0870 240 7535 (telephone order line) This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI www.csci.org.uk Internet address The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 2 This is a report of an inspection to assess whether services are meeting the needs of people who use them. The legal basis for conducting inspections is the Care Standards Act 2000 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for this establishment are those for Care Homes for Adults 18-65. They can be found at www.dh.gov.uk or obtained from The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop This report is a public document. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 3 SERVICE INFORMATION Name of service The Brambles Address 104 Station Road Soham Cambridgeshire CB7 5DZ 01353 722971 Telephone number Fax number Email address Provider Web address Name of registered provider(s)/company (if applicable) Name of registered manager (if applicable) Type of registration No. of places registered (if applicable) Mr Anthony Eric Barnes Mr Anthony Eric Barnes Care Home 3 Category(ies) of Learning disability (3) registration, with number of places The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 4 SERVICE INFORMATION Conditions of registration: Date of last inspection 6th July 2005 Brief Description of the Service: The Brambles is a small home for three people with moderate to profound learning disabilities, and some physical disabilities. The home is a converted bungalow, and each service user has their own room, sharing communal accommodation, which includes a lounge/diner, kitchen bathroom and two WCs. The home is owned and managed by Mr Anthony Barnes who is supported a small staff team, with administrative support from his wife. The service provided is of a particularly high standard, with a great deal of emphasis on the wishes of the service users living in the home. The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 5 SUMMARY This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection. This was an unannounced inspection, and the second of the current year. The inspection lasted around two hours, during which time the member of staff working provided all information required. All three service users were at home but resting. The inspector has also spoken with the manager since the inspection, discussing the outstanding issues, and it has been agreed that discussions on the home quality assurance policy will be deferred until the next inspection The home is a small home for adults with a learning disability, and has no vacancies at present. What the service does well: What has improved since the last inspection? There have been few changes since the last inspection, although the shift patterns of care staff have been altered giving staff even more opportunities to go out with service users. Since the last inspection NVQ training has started for some of the staff. The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 6 What they could do better: Please contact the provider for advice of actions taken in response to this inspection. The report of this inspection is available from enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting your local CSCI office. The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 7 DETAILS OF INSPECTOR FINDINGS CONTENTS Choice of Home (Standards 1–5) Individual Needs and Choices (Standards 6-10) Lifestyle (Standards 11-17) Personal and Healthcare Support (Standards 18-21) Concerns, Complaints and Protection (Standards 22-23) Environment (Standards 24-30) Staffing (Standards 31-36) Conduct and Management of the Home (Standards 37 – 43) Scoring of Outcomes Statutory Requirements Identified During the Inspection The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 8 Choice of Home The intended outcomes for Standards 1 – 5 are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Prospective service users have the information they need to make an informed choice about where to live. Prospective users’ individual aspirations and needs are assessed. Prospective service users know that the home that they will choose will meet their needs and aspirations. Prospective service users have an opportunity to visit and to “test drive” the home. Each service user has an individual written contract or statement of terms and conditions with the home. The Commission consider Standard 2 the key standard to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 2 Procedures are in place to manage any new admissions to the home, ensuring a full assessment of need would be undertaken. EVIDENCE: There have been no changes since the last inspection, the three service users remain happy in the home. The home has a detailed admissions procedure which would be used in the event of a vacancy needing to be filled, and this includes detailed assessments and work alongside the prospective admission, ensuring the home were familiar with and able to manage need. The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 9 Individual Needs and Choices The intended outcomes for Standards 6 – 10 are: 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Service users know their assessed and changing needs and personal goals are reflected in their individual Plan. Service users make decisions about their lives with assistance as needed. Service users are consulted on, and participate in, all aspects of life in the home. Service users are supported to take risks as part of an independent lifestyle. Service users know that information about them is handled appropriately, and that their confidences are kept. The Commission considers Standards 6, 7 and 9 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 6 and 9 Although care plans are in place, they must be reviewed more regularly. EVIDENCE: Although care plans were seen for all three service users, together with risk assessments, there was no evidence that these have been reviewed in the current year, and this must be addressed. The staff member working on the day of the inspection was also unaware of any statutory review by the local learning disability team, and the home should request that these are arranged as soon as possible. The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 10 Lifestyle The intended outcomes for Standards 11 - 17 are: 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Service users have opportunities for personal development. Service users are able to take part in age, peer and culturally appropriate activities. Service users are part of the local community. Service users engage in appropriate leisure activities. Service users have appropriate personal, family and sexual relationships. Service users’ rights are respected and responsibilities recognised in their daily lives. Service users are offered a healthy diet and enjoy their meals and mealtimes. The Commission considers Standards 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 11, 13 and 15 Service users enjoy local community activities, and strong family links are maintained. EVIDENCE: Service users living in the Brambles are well known in the local area, and take part in various community activities, and attend local pubs and restaurants. Family links remain very strong, and the home supports these links in a variety of ways, with visits both to and from families, and from the family of a service user who lived at the home up to his death. The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 11 Personal and Healthcare Support The intended outcomes for Standards 18 - 21 are: 18. 19. 20. 21. Service users receive personal support in the way they prefer and require. Service users’ physical and emotional health needs are met. Service users retain, administer and control their own medication where appropriate, and are protected by the home’s policies and procedures for dealing with medicines. The ageing, illness and death of a service user are handled with respect and as the individual would wish. The Commission considers Standards 18, 19, and 20 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 19 and 20 The emotional and physical health needs of service users are identified and met with support from healthy professionals in the area. EVIDENCE: The home continues to meet the service user’s emotional and physical health needs, with support from their local GP and other associated professionals. Staff and management monitor the health of service users, and take any necessary action. The three service users are getting older, and needs will change, and this is reflected ion activities planned with them. The inspector examined the medication records of the home, and no problems or concerns were found. The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 12 Concerns, Complaints and Protection The intended outcomes for Standards 22 – 23 are: 22. 23. Service users feel their views are listened to and acted on. Service users are protected from abuse, neglect and self-harm. The Commission considers Standards 22, and 23 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): none EVIDENCE: These standards were not assessed on this occasion The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 13 Environment The intended outcomes for Standards 24 – 30 are: 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Service users live in a homely, comfortable and safe environment. Service users’ bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles. Service users’ bedrooms promote their independence. Service users’ toilets and bathrooms provide sufficient privacy and meet their individual needs. Shared spaces complement and supplement service users’ individual rooms. Service users have the specialist equipment they require to maximise their independence. The home is clean and hygienic. The Commission considers Standards 24, and 30 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 24 and 30 The home continues to offer a comfortable, clean domestic setting ideally suited to the needs of the three service users. EVIDENCE: On the day of the inspection, the home was clean and tidy, and free from any offensive odours. The home remains very well decorated and furnished, and offers very relaxed and comfortable facilities for the three service users living there. The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 14 Staffing The intended outcomes for Standards 31 – 36 are: 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Service users benefit from clarity of staff roles and responsibilities. Service users are supported by competent and qualified staff. Service users are supported by an effective staff team. Service users are supported and protected by the home’s recruitment policy and practices. Service users’ individual and joint needs are met by appropriately trained staff. Service users benefit from well supported and supervised staff. The Commission considers Standards 32, 34 and 35 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 36 A formal supervision system must be introduced to demonstrate how staff are supported EVIDENCE: Staff records were not examined on this occasion, however the training and supervision of staff was discussed with the member of staff working, and subsequently with the proprietor. Although informally supervised at all times no formal system has been introduced, which is a previous requirement, and one that must be addressed immediately, to avoid further action, and to ensure that The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 15 Conduct and Management of the Home The intended outcomes for Standards 37 – 43 are: 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. Service users benefit from a well run home. Service users benefit from the ethos, leadership and management approach of the home. Service users are confident their views underpin all self-monitoring, review and development by the home. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s policies and procedures. Service users’ rights and best interests are safeguarded by the home’s record keeping policies and procedures. The health, safety and welfare of service users are promoted and protected. Service users benefit from competent and accountable management of the service. The Commission considers Standards 37, 39, and 42 the key standards to be inspected at least once during a 12 month period. JUDGEMENT – we looked at outcomes for the following standard(s): 37 and 39 The home is well managed, and service users rights and interests placed at the forefront of all decisions EVIDENCE: The home is extremely well managed, and the member of staff working on the day clearly enjoys working with the proprietor and other staff members. Although the staff are supported well on a daily basis, the problem of a formal supervision system mentioned above remains. This clearly reflects badly on the management of the service. All other management aspects of the home are good, and required checks made on a regular basis. The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 16 SCORING OF OUTCOMES This page summarises the assessment of the extent to which the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Adults 18-65 have been met and uses the following scale. The scale ranges from: 4 Standard Exceeded 2 Standard Almost Met (Commendable) (Minor Shortfalls) 3 Standard Met 1 Standard Not Met (No Shortfalls) (Major Shortfalls) “X” in the standard met box denotes standard not assessed on this occasion “N/A” in the standard met box denotes standard not applicable CHOICE OF HOME Standard No Score 1 X 2 3 3 X 4 X 5 X INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND CHOICES Standard No 6 7 8 9 10 Score CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Standard No Score 22 X 23 X ENVIRONMENT Standard No Score 24 3 25 X 26 X 27 X 28 X 29 X 30 3 STAFFING Standard No Score 31 X 32 X 33 X 34 X 35 X 36 2 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOME Standard No 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Score 2 X X 3 X LIFESTYLES Standard No Score 11 3 12 X 13 3 14 X 15 3 16 X 17 X PERSONAL AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT Standard No 18 19 20 21 Score X 3 3 X 2 X 3 X X X X The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 17 Yes Are there any outstanding requirements from the last inspection? STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales. No. 1. Standard YA6 Regulation 15(2)(a) Requirement Timescale for action 31/03/06 2. YA36 18(2) Care plans must be kept under review in accordance with the regulations. Carried forward as timescale of 31/10/05 not met A formal process of supervision 31/03/06 must be introduced, This requirement is carried forward and must be addressed to avoid further action being taken. Carried forward as timescale of 30/09/05 not met RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations relate to National Minimum Standards and are seen as good practice for the Registered Provider/s to consider carrying out. No. Refer to Standard Good Practice Recommendations The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 18 Commission for Social Care Inspection Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Area Office CPC1 Capital Park Fulbourn Cambridge CB1 5XE National Enquiry Line: 0845 015 0120 Email: enquiries@csci.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.csci.org.uk © This report is copyright Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and may only be used in its entirety. Extracts may not be used or reproduced without the express permission of CSCI The Brambles DS0000015227.V278879.R01.S.doc Version 5.1 Page 19 - Please note that this information is included on www.bestcarehome.co.uk under license from the regulator. Re-publishing this information is in breach of the terms of use of that website. Discrete codes and changes have been inserted throughout the textual data shown on the site that will provide incontrovertable proof of copying in the event this information is re-published on other websites. 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